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(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

E. D. MQGRAOKEN.

MACHINERY FOR COVERING ELECTRICAL GONDU GTORS.

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N PETERS. Phololllhogmphcr. Washmglon. D. c.

2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

(No Model.)

E. D. MQCRACKEN. MACHINERY FOR COVERING ELECTRICAL CCNDUCTORS. No. 351,192.

Patented Oct. 19, 1886.

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N. PETERS Pnnmumn m her. Washinglnn. DJ;

UNITED STATES PATENT Fries.

EDXVIN D. MCCRAOKEN, OF PATERSON, NEWV JERSEY.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 351,192, dated October 19, 1886.

Application tiled August 16, 1884. Renewed August 19, 1886. Serial No. 211,262. (No model.)

To aZZ whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWIN D. McCRAcKEN, of the city of Paterson, in the county of Passaic I and State of New Jersey, have invented a new and useful Improvementin Machinery for Govering Electric \Vires or Conductors, of which the following is a specification.

An important object of my invention is to provide a machine whereby wire for electrical purposes may have applied to it an insulatingcovering consisting of a spirally wound and lapping strip or strips of paper, the paper being applied with adhesive substance, and forming ofitself the insulating-covering for the wire.

My improved machine comprises means for drawing forward the wire from one reel at the feeding end of the machine and winding it upon another reel at the delivery end of the machine, a rotary spindle, through which the wire is passed, together with devices for sup porting a bobbin of paper, for applying to the inner side of the strip of paper an adhesive substancesuch, for example, as a thin solution of india-rubberand for condensing or consolidating the spirally-wound paper, all carried by and revolving with the spindle, and preferably also devices revolving with the spindle for straightening the wire before the paper strip is applied to it.

In connection with the spirally-wound strip the conducting-wire may have applied to it a spirally-wound fine wire laid on beneath a strip of paper, and in such case the fine wire is taken from a bobbin which is revolved with the spindle, and is conducted beneath the strip of paper as the latter is wound spirally on the conductor or main wire. The fine wire spirally applied will then serve to conduct away induced currents.

The invention consists in combination of parts hereinafter described, and pointed out in the claims, including novel features in the construction and arrangement of the devices for straightening the wire, in the devices for supporting and winding the strip of paper, in the means for applying adhesive substance to the wire, in the devices for condensing or consolidating the spirally-wound paper upon the wire, in the means for producing the travel of the wire or drawing it forward through the machine, and in the means for supporting the bobbin of fine wire and laying the fine wire on beneath the spirally-wound strip of paper in case such fine wire is to be used.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure l is a side elevation of a machine embodying my invention. Fig. 2 isa'transverse section, principally on the dotted line a: m, Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a sectional view, upon a larger scale, of a portion of one of the drums or wheels around which the covered wire passes, and by which it is drawn through the machine. Fig. 4 is a side elevation, on a larger scale, ofa portion of the rotary spindle and the devices for straightening the wire, for applying the adhesive substance to the paper and the paper to the wire, for con densing or consolidating the spirally-wound paper on the wire, and for supplying a fine wire to be wound spirally with and under the paper. Fig. 5 is a transverse section on the dotted line y y, Fig. 4.. Fig. 6 is a similar section on the dotted line z 2. Fig. 7 is a detail view, similar to Fig. 4, 9f the means for supplying adhesive substance to the strip of paper and for supplying a fine wire to be wound spirally with and inside or beneath the strip, the position of the parts corresponding to Fig. 4. Fig. 8 is atransvcrse section on the dotted line 2 2, Fig. 4, or in the plane of the strip of paper as it passes fromthe bobbin, showing in detail the box for adhesive substance and sists, essentially, of upright frames or stand ards A A A", which are connected by longitudinal rails or stretchers A and tie-rods A". In or on the upright frames or standards A A are bearings a, whereinis journaleda short hollow spindle, B, which derives rotary motion by a wheel and pinion, b b, from a longitudinal shaft, 0, on which is a cone-pulley, 0, for a driving-belt.

At the feeding end of the machine is a reel or drum, D, from which the wire V is taken,

and which is mounted in standards D. On

the shaft of the reel or drum D is a pulley or wheel, D over which is placed a brake strap or band, D", which is fastened at one end, 11

and has a weight, If, at the other end. This or any other suitablebrake arrangement serves to offer a resistance to the rotation of the reel or drum D, and consequently the wire is drawn therefrom under suitable tension, which may be varied by increasing or diminishing the weight b.

Near the delivery end of the machine are arranged two drums or wheels, E E, the shafts of which are mounted in standards or supports a c, and the latter of which, E, is orcmay be placed slightly below the former, E. A positive rotary motion is transmitted to the drum or wheel E from the shaft through a short upright shaft, 0, connected by a bevelwheel and pinion, 0 0 with the shaft of the drumor wheel E, and connected by a wormwheel and worm or screw, 0 0 with the shaft 0, as best shown in Fig. 2. The drum or wheel E is also slightly out of line with the positively-driven drum or wheel E, so that the wire W may pass at the side of the former to the top of the latter, and the wire is then passed back and forth and between and around the two'drums or wheels as many times as desirable, and finally leaves the top of the drunr E, and is passed to'a reel ordruln, F, the shaft of which is supported in standards F beyond the delivery end of the machine, and which is rotated by a belt, F, passed around a pulley, E on the shaft of'the drum E, and a pulley, F on the shaft of the reel or drum F.

The reel or drum F is driven at a speed sufficient to take up the covered wire, and the belt F will'slip if. the speed of the reel or drum exceeds the speed at which the wire is drawn forward by the drums or wheels E E. These latter drums or wheels are grooved circumferentially, as shown in Fig. 3, to receive the wire, and from said figure it will be observed that the grooves are of varying depths, the depth gradually decreasing from one side of the drum toward the other.

The groove (Z at that side of the drum E v which first receives the wire is deepest, and

consequently that portion of the drumaround which the wire first passes is smallest in diameter. The groove (1 at the opposite side 7 of the drum E is shallowest, and consequently the diameter of the drum at the bottom of the groove is greater .in diameter. The result of this increase in diameter of the drums at the bottom 'of the grooves from one side 7 toward the other of the drum is, that the covered wire is kept understrong tension or slightly stretched between the drums E E, and as no slip will occur between the drums and the wire the latter will be drawn forward at a positive speed by the positive rotation of the drum E, and a uniform degree of lap will be maintained in the strip of paper wound spirally, as hereinafter described. Obviously the same effect would be produced by making which are shown in Figs. 4, 7, and 8.

the drums E E very slightly conical with grooves of uniform depth from side to side.

Connected and rotating with the spindle B is a frame, B, which has at one end a hub, 6, whereby it is secured fast to the spindle; and at the other end a hub and a journal, 6 6 whereby its outer end is supported in a bearing, 6", formed in astandard, A thus providing for the rotation of the frame B with the spindle B. The journal (3 is hollow, and in that end of the frame is a socket or seat, 6*, here shown as square, and in which is fitted a die-block, f, of corresponding shape, as shown in Fig. 6. This block, which may be of wood, is shown as made in two parts, to enable it to be readily taken out and off the wire, and the hole in it is larger than the covered wire, and is not designed to exert a pressure thereon, it being. intended only to,keep the wire central and prevent its contact with the interior of the hollow journal 6.

G designates the strip of paper, which is taken from a bobbin or roll, G, as best shown in Fig. 4. The bobbin or roll G is journaled on an arm, H, which projects at an angle from the spindle B, and is provided with fast and loose flanges g 9, between which the bobbin is placed. The loose flange g is pressed against the bobbin, and thereby forces the latter against the fixed flangeby means of a spring, g applied to the arm H, and the tension of which may be varied by a screw and nut, 9 at the end of the arm. The arm H being non-rotary, the confinement of the bobbin G between the two flanges g produces a frictional resistance to the turning of the bobbin, which is necessary in drawing off the strip G, and by adjusting the power of the spring 9 the proper tension on the strip may be maintained. v

The inner end of the arm H is forked at h, and is pivoted by bolts h to the spindle B, so as to afford provision for setting and securing the arm at any desired angle relatively to the spindle. These bolts It should not, however, pass through the spindle transversely, as they would then interfere with the travel of the wire W through the spindle. The angle of the arm relatively to the spindle will have to be varied for winding wire of different sizes, and I I have shown the spindle B as provided with several holes, if, for the bolts h, whereby pro- I vision is afforded for securing the arm H in different positions on the spindle. It may also be necessary to provide arms longer or shorter than that shown for use, as may be found desirable under different conditions.

I designates a box or receptacle for adhesive substance, across-or over which the paper strip G is drawn as it passes from the bobbin G to the wire W, and the form and construction of It has a filling hole on aperture, i, which is tightly closed by a' plug, and its discharge-aperture t" is closed by the strip G passing over it. the ends of the discharge aperture are projecting horns or arms t, which guidev the strip, and the strip is caused to hug theboX at the aperture i by means of guides or bars 2' on opposite sides thereof, and under which the strip passes,as best shownin Fig. 8. But verylittle adhesive substance is required to be applied to the covering-strip G, and the quantity which the strip receives by being drawn across the aperture *5 is ample. Dur ing fully half of each rotation of the spindle B the discharge-aperture t" is in such position that the substance would run in quantity from the box were its aperture not covered by the strip, and during the remainder of each rotation the film of substance which adheres to the sides of the aperture f is sufficient to insure a continuous application of adhesive substance to the strip.

The box or reservoir I is revolved as the spindle is rotated, and its supports must be such that it may be adjusted to the line of travel of the strip according as the arm H is shifted. As here shown, an arm, 1, is secured by a bolt, 2, to the hub e of the frame B. This arm is slotted, and to it is adjustably secured by a bolt, 2"", abar or arm, I", which has two slots, 3 4. The box or reservoir I has projecting lugs or ears 1', adj ustably secured to the bar or arm I by bolts ihpassing through the slot 3. The box I, being thus supported, is afforded ample facility of adjustment, and as it is revolved with the spindle and around the wire it is turned upside down,and the adhesive substance which it contains is applied continuously and uniformly to the strip G,passing across its delivery or discharge aperture 1'.

I prefer to straighten the wire before the paper is applied, and to this end I attach to the frame B fingers or dies j, one of which bears on the one side of the wire, and the other two of which bear on the other side of the wire. These fingers or dies may be slightly notched at to properly hold the wire while under their action,and as they rotate or revolve with the frame B they easily and accurately straighten the forwardly-moving wire.

The fingers or dies j are or may be slotted, and are secured to the frame B by boltsj,the frame being also slotted. Provision is thus afforded for adjusting the fingers or dies j to positions in which they will operate most effect-ivel y.

Attached to the frame B, near its forward end, are other fingers or dies, k, which bear on opposite sides of the wire. Th ese fingers or dies, as they turn with the spindle and frame, act on the paper covering to consolidate or condense the paper, and the paper is not abraded or torn by them, as would be probable were the wire drawn through a stationary die. The fingers k are slotted and are secured to the slotted frame B by bolts k, whereby provision is afforded for adjusting them to the positions in which they will operate most effectively. One of the fingers or dies j isormay be notched at it to hold the wire centrally.

I do not limit myself as to the number of straightening fingers or dies 9', or as to the number of fingers or dies it, although I have here shown only three of each.

When it is desired to wind a small wire around the wire WV and on the inner side of the paper strip, I attach a bobbin, Z, to the spindle B or frame B, so that it will be revolved therewith. I have here shown a bobbin, Z, of fine wire supported in a frame, Z, which may be attached to the bolt i", and which is best shown in Figs. 7 and 9. By turning the pivot or shaft 1*, on which this bobbin is journaled, the power of a spring, Z may be increased or diminished, the frictional resistance to the rotation of the bobbin being thereby varied. From the bobbin 1 the small wire '10 is passed through a tension device, J, the construction of which is best shown in Figs. 10 and 11. It consists of a base or stock, m, which is to be removably secured in the slot 4 of the bar or arm 1 On the stock in is pivoted a roller or small sheave, m, and in the stock are two pins, m in, the former of which is perforated for the passage of the wire w from the bobbin Z. The wire 10 is first passed through the perforation or eye in the stud or pin in", thence around the sheave or roller m, and, finally, inside the stud or pin m whence it passes around or over a small pulley or sheave, m, and thence to the wire WV, around which it is wound spirally slightly in advance of the strip G. WVhen it is not desired to apply the fine wire, the bobbin land tension device J are removed. The wire or conductor may be passed through the machine two or more times, in order to apply as many coverings or strips of paper.

\Vhen a fine wire is to be applied, as de scribed, Ifirst pass the main wire one or more times through the machine to apply one or more strips, in order that the fine wire when applied will be properly insulated from the main wire, and I then apply the fine wire at the same time with another strip of paper, after which one or more additional strips of paper are applied to effectively insulate the fine wire. I 7

Although my machine is more particularly intended for applying paper strips, it is or may be applicable to machines for applying strips of fibrous material other than paper.

I am aware thatainachine'for covering wire has been before devised in which the wire is moved continuously forward through a hollow spindle, and has a covering strip or ribbon of rubber wound spirally upon it, said strip or ribbon being taken from a bobbin or spool which turns upon an arm arranged at an angle to the hollow spindle and revolved about the same. In that machine the covered wire is first passed once around a positively-rotated drum or wheel, and then passes directly to another drum, on which it is Wound or reeled. I do not desire to include such a machinein my invention. In my machineI employ a pair of drums orwheels, E E, over which the covered wire is carried to and fro, and I also employ a take-up reel which is independent of IIO these two drums or wheels, and on which the finished wire is reeled or wound.

lVhat I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. The combination, with a rotary spindle and mechanism connected therewith for spirally winding a covering-strip upon the wire, of a reel or drum'from which the wire is taken, a pair of drums or wheels near the delivery end of the machine, over or around which the covered wire is passed back and forth, and one of which is positively rotated, wherebythe covered wire is drawn forward at a uniform speed, and a take-up reel independent of the said pair of drums or wheels at the delivery end of the machine, substantially as and for the purpose herein described.

2. The combination, with a rotary spindle and mechanism connected therewith for spirally winding a covering-strip upon the wire, ofareel or drum from which the wire is taken, a pair of grooved drums 0r wheels, 13 E, around which the coveredwire is passed, as described, and which increase in diameter from their receiving to their delivery sides, one of said drums being positively rotated,

' whereby the wire is drawn forward at uniform speed, and a take-up reel or drum at the-delivery end of the machine, substantially as herein described.

3. The combination, with a rotary spindle and a frame attached to and rotating with the spindle, of means for producing the travel of wire through the machine, mechanism for spirally winding a covering-strip upon the wire, and straightening fingers or dies attached to and revolving with the said frame and bearing on opposite sides of the wire, substantially as herein described.

4. The combination, with a rotary spindle and a frame attached toand rotating with the spindle and offset from the center of the spindle, of mechanism for producing the travel of wire through the machine and for spirally winding thereon a covering-strip, and fingers or dies arranged transversely to the line of travel or wire, attached to and revolving with and mechanism for producing the travel of the wire through the machine, of an arm projecting from said spindle and revolved with the the rotation of a bobbin journaled on the arm,

spindle, the said arm being adapted to support a bobbin for a covering-strip, and devices, also attached to and rotating with said spindle, for

applying adhesive substance to the covering strip as it is unwound fromv the bobbin, sub

stantially as herein described.

7. The combination, with the rotary spindle B, of the arm H, pivoted to the spindle and capable of adjustment at different angles thereto, tension devices on said arm for retarding and devices attached to and revolved with the spindle for applying adhesive substance to the covering-strip as it is unwound from the bobbin, substantially as herein described.

8. The combination, with a rotary spindle and mechanism for producing the travel of wire through the machine, of devices for supporting a bobbin which is revolved about the spindle, and a box or reservoir for adhesive substance, also revolved about the spindle, and having 8 an outlet or delivery aperture, over or across which the covering-strip passes in its travel from the bobbin to the wire, substantially as herein described.

9. The combination, with a rotary spindle O and mechanism for producing the travel of wire through the machine, of devices for supporting a bobbin which is revolved about the spindle, a box or reservoir for adhesive substance, having an outlet or delivery aperture, 9 5 over or across which the covering-strip passes in its travel from the bobbin to the wire, and

a bar or arm on which said box or reservoir is secured, and which is adjustably connected with the spindle, whereby provision is afford- 10o ed for adjusting the box or reservoir to the line of travel of the covering-strip, substantially as herein described.

10. The combination, with the spindle B and mechanism for producing the travel of wire through the machine, of a bobbin-support projecting from the spindle and revolving about the same, the box or reservoir I for adhesive substance, the bar 1", to which the said box is adj ustably secured, and the arm I, to which no said barI is adjustably secured, substantially as herein described.

11. The combination, with a rotary spindle and mechanism for producing the travel of wire through the machine, of devices for supporting a bobbin of covering strip and for applying adhesive substance to the strip, all revolving about the spindle, a bobbin of fine wire, also connected with and revolving about the spindle, and a tension device through which the [20 fine wire 'is conducted, and from which it passes with the covering-strip to be wound spirally upon the conducting-wire, substan tially as herein described.

' E.- D. MOORAOKEN.

Vitnesses:

G. HALL, FREDK. HAYNEs. 

